Manchester United win FA Youth Cup clash v Reading as Kobbie Mainoo stars

Manchester United are through to the FA Youth Cup fifth round after an impressive victory away at Reading.

United’s under-18s followed up the 4-2 win over Scunthorpe in the last round with a 3-1 win on Thursday evening in Berkshire.

How it happened

1-0: United’s youngsters took an early lead through midfielder Kobbie Mainoo after he won possession on the edge of the box. He glided into the area before finishing decisively.

2-0: United’s lead was doubled through Sam Mather later in the first half. He exchanged passes with striker Charlie McNeill, and while his last touch ricocheted in via a deflection, it goes down as his goal.

3-0: Just one minute after the second, United added a third when Reading gave the ball away. Alejandro Garnacho cut the ball back for Charlie McNeill to fire the ball into the net.

3-1: The second half was largely a non-event with United getting a bit too casual. Reading scored a consolation in the 82nd minute.

United were comfortably the better team and controlled the game. Mainoo, 16, was impressive throughout in midfield along with Max Oyedele and Isak Hansen-Aaroen.

Sam Mather had a second half goal disallowed for offside as he continued his outstanding season in the academy.

Logan Pye made his return from injury in the second half, making his first appearance since August, and looked sharp at left-back.

Who is up next?

United will face the winner of Everton and Sheffield United in the fifth round, with their match taking place on Friday.

The match is a home draw and should be held at Old Trafford, currently scheduled for Saturday February 5, with the first team hosting Middlesbrough in the FA Youth on the Friday night.

United are looking to win the competition for the first time since 2011. Last season United were beaten in the fourth round.